Juventus kick off their Serie A campaign with a depleted squad and significant work ahead in the transfer market, as stated by manager Thiago Motta. The team faces the challenge of revamping after a four-season drought without a league title following their nine consecutive wins. Motta, taking over from Massimiliano Allegri, acknowledges the need for reinforcements to compete for the Scudetto.
Heading into their first match against Como, Motta finds his squad still evolving but emphasizes the value Weston McKennie brings to the team. McKennie, initially rumored to depart, has reconciled with Motta and could feature in Monday's game. The 25-year-old midfielder, excluded from recent preseason fixtures, has rekindled his role within the squad.
Despite links to players like Teun Koopmeiners and Nicolas Gonzalez, Juventus has yet to secure their desired signings. Departures of Riccardo Calafiori and Joshua Zirkzee, among others, have added to the team's restructuring challenges. Additionally, the situation of Federico Chiesa, not fitting Motta's plans, remains unresolved.
Motta stresses the team's focus on the upcoming match against Como, highlighting the importance of performance and results. With a background of leading Bologna to a remarkable fifth-place finish last season, Motta approaches the game with respect for Como's journey from Serie B and their competitive spirit.
As Juventus navigates a transitional phase under Motta's guidance, the emphasis remains on building a cohesive and competitive squad. The team's immediate priority is delivering a strong performance against Como, setting the tone for their Serie A campaign under new leadership.